Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Symptoms, Causes, and Effects
Let’s empower lives by unveiling the enigma!

Introduction to the disease

Multiple sclerosis, characterized by the immune system’s attack on the central nervous system, disrupts the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerves.
As this protective layer declines, the nerves themselves become exposed to damage. This damaging process forms scar tissues called sclerosis, giving the disease its name—Multiple Sclerosis.

These damaged nerves lose their ability to transmit signals promptly, navigating people with Multiple Sclerosis to a challenging phase of severe difficulties.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis symptoms can differ among individuals, depending on the specific location and size of nerve fibre impairment within the central nervous system.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider for appropriate medical guidance.

  • Fatigue
  • Mood disturbances
  • Dizziness
  • Top of Form
  • Feeling weakness or numbness in one side of the body at a time
  • Tingling
  • The Sensation of electrical shock while moving your neck
  • Blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision, particularly in one eye at a time
  • Pain while moving the eye
  • Lack of coordination
  • Difficulty walking
  • Problems with sexual, bowel, and bladder function
  • Unclear speech
  • Cognitive problems

Multiple Sclerosis’s Different Stages

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Based on clinical criteria, MS is divided into four categories

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) stands out as the most prevalent form of MS. The majority of individuals dealing with MS find themselves on this rollercoaster journey. They encounter phases marked by new symptoms or relapses, unfolding over days or weeks, with a tendency to improve partially or entirely. These challenging episodes are followed by stretches of disease remission, extending over months or even years.

Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)

Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) unfolds as a persistent advancement of symptoms, affecting 20% to 40% of individuals with relapsing-remitting MS. This progression typically emerges within 10 to 20 years from the disease’s onset.
It is further categorized into either active or inactive, as well as progressive or non-progressive MS, presenting a complex range of experiences.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

Both men and women deal with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) in equal measure. Among Multiple Sclerosis’s different stages, PPMS places patients in a more difficult situation as symptoms like loss of balance, tremors, and muscle pain get worse without any relapses.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14202-primary-progressive-multiple-sclerosis-ppms

Progressive–relapsing MS

Progressive–relapsing MS is marked by an advanced stage of neurological decline, increasing mental and physical disability. Though patients experience muscle spasm, sudden weakness, mobility problems, and depression, it is not a life-threatening stage.

Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis has intense effects on both the physical and mental capacities of the patient. Beyond individuals, it extends to caretakers, too, who face unique challenges and needs in this complex journey.

Multiple Sclerosis Effects

Physical challenges

Multiple Sclerosis effects extend to various physical challenges. The onset of numbness, weakness, and coordination issues in various body parts can be overwhelming, disrupting their ability to follow a consistent daily routine.

During relapses, patients struggling with abnormal bladder function find themselves confined to their homes. Adding to the challenge, the potential impact of sexual function complications can be particularly catastrophic, significantly affecting their relationships.

Mental challenges

The mental toll brought on by MS is downright overwhelming.

Coping with this intense sense of falling behind, dependence on others, and fighting to rescue your job—it’s a perfect storm for sinking into a deep well of depression and feeling shattered.

In the ceaseless fight for an impression of normalcy, our commitment to your well-being extends beyond mere words. We stand by you with a real solution—Cool*Safe Bags, designed to safeguard and enhance the efficacy of your medicines.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients: A Comprehensive Overview

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that affects a diverse group of individuals across the globe.

This detailed description aims to provide insights into the demographic characteristics of MS patients, the factors contributing to the illness, and the prevalence in various regions.

Age

  • MS can strike at any age, but it is most diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
  • However, pediatric MS does exist, with cases identified in children and adolescents.

Gender

  • Both men and women can be affected by MS, but it is more prevalent in women.
  • Statistics suggest that women are nearly three times more likely to develop MS than men.

Cause of MS

  • The exact cause of MS is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
  • Genetic predisposition plays a role, with individuals having a family history of MS being at a higher risk.
  • Environmental factors such as viral infections, low vitamin D levels, and smoking have also been associated with an increased risk of developing MS.

Onset of the Illness

  • While some individuals may have a genetic predisposition, MS is not typically present from birth.
  • It is often diagnosed in young adulthood, and the onset can be triggered by a variety of factors.

Prevalence

  • The number of people diagnosed with MS is substantial, and the incidence is rising globally.
  • Statistics vary by region and ethnicity.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients

Global Overview

In Europe

MS prevalence in Europe, including Eastern Europe and Turkey, is estimated at ≥ 30/100,000.

In the US

Current estimates suggest that 300,000 to 400,000 individuals are affected in the United States, but this is based largely on revisions of estimates from older data. 

Worldwide

A total of 2.8 million people is estimated to live with MS worldwide (35.9 per 100,000 population).
MS prevalence has increased in every world region since 2013 but gaps in prevalence estimates persist. The pooled incidence rate across 75 reporting countries is 2.1 per 100,000 persons/year, and the mean age of diagnosis is 32 years. Females are twice as likely to live with MS as males.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients

Specific Regions

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For Germany

MS prevalence in Germany steadily increased in recent years. Assuming a similar prevalence across Germany, this would suggest that approximately 230,000 persons were diagnosed with MS in 2015.MS treatment patterns changed markedly indicating a shifting predominance of DMD injectable drugs to oral medications. Between 2012 and 2019 the proportion of German inhabitants affected by multiple sclerosis rose strongly from 0.27% to 0.34%, indicating a relatively high prevalence in comparison to other European countries. While the overall prescription prevalence of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in patients with multiple sclerosis exhibited a moderately increasing trend, utilization of single DMDs changed markedly over time. Most notably, the use of the long-established injectable DMDs interferon beta-1b and interferon beta-1a showed a steep decline, whereas the market share of small molecule oral agents steadily increased.
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South America and Latin America (excluding Brazil)

In northern Mexico, in San Pedro Garza Garcia (state of Nuevo Leon), the prevalence of MS is 30 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Monterrey, the prevalence decreases to 7.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Quito, Ecuador, the estimated prevalence is 5.05 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is very similar to that reported in neighboring countries like Venezuela and Panama (5.26 and 5.24 per 100,000, respectively). As we move south of the equator, specifically in Lima, Peru, the prevalence increases slightly to 7.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. On the other hand, Cochabamba, Bolivia is the region with the lowest number of MS cases in all of LA and the Caribbean, with 1.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, as in northern Mexico, it has been observed that the prevalence increases: two studies have reported between 18 and 25 cases of MS per 100,000 inhabitants in this city. However, Córdoba, Argentina is the site of the highest prevalence of MS in LA, with 88 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. A prevalence of 5.69 per 100,000 inhabitants has been determined in Chile, but in the city of Punta Arenas, the prevalence increases to 14 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Montevideo, Uruguay, like in Argentina and Chile, we find one of the highest prevalences in South America with a reported 21 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It is estimated that approximately 1,200 to 2,400 people in South America are newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) every year. Approximately 56,000 people are newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in Latin America each year, excluding Brazil.
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Brazil

There were 52 MS patients identified living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The point-prevalence rate for MS was 26.4/100,000 population (95% confidence interval, 19.7 to 34.6/100,000). Among the MS cases, 42 (80.8%) were female, for a sex ratio of 4.2:1. Forty-six cases (88.5%) were categorized as relapsing-remitting MS, and the remaining 6 cases, as secondary progressive MS (11.5%). Other epidemiological and clinical features were comparable to national and international MS populations. The prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Brazil is estimated to be around 25,000 new cases per year.
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New Zealand

The overall prevalence of MS in NZ is 71.9 per 100,000. For males, the age-standardized prevalence is 37.0 per 100,000 (34.3 to 39.7). For females, the age-standardized prevalence is 104.3 per 100,000 (99.9 to 109). According to the New Zealand Institute of Health and Environmental Research, approximately 4,200 people are newly diagnosed with MS in New Zealand each year. This number is expected to increase due to the aging population and an increase in risk factors such as obesity and smoking.
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USA and Canada

Canada continues to have one of the highest rates of MS in the world – with over 90,000 people living with MS - 1 in every 400 people. The Atlas of MS report provides updated information on people living with MS in Canada: Over 90,000 Canadians living with MS – 1 in every 400. 4,377 people are diagnosed with MS each year - almost 12 people per day. Average age of diagnosis is 43 years. 75% of the people living with MS are women. 90% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting forms of MS, while 10% are diagnosed with progressive forms of MS.
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Denmark

The total number of registered cases with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis since 1956 was by the start of May 2020 30,023 of whom 16,515 cases were alive and residing in Denmark, giving a prevalence rate of about 284 per 100,000 population. The mean annual number of new cases receiving an MS diagnosis was 649 per year in the period 2010 to 2019. In total, 7,945 patients (48.1%) were receiving disease-modifying therapy at the start of May 2020.
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Spain

Spain is considered to present an intermediate-high prevalence of MS, with an estimated 80–100 cases per 100,000 population. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Spain is about 100,000 people, and it is estimated that about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. However, actual numbers may vary and can be subject to change over time.
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England

The estimate for the prevalence of MS in England is 190 cases per 100,000 population, accounting for 105,800 cases. The prevalence rate for females is 2.5 times higher than for males, 272 and 106 cases per 100,000 population respectively. MS is not considered hereditary. A hereditary condition is directly transmitted from parent to child or further generations, which is not the case in MS
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Australia

The prevalence of MS in Australia has increased from 103.7 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 131.1 per 100,000 people in 2021. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Australia (MSSA), approximately 5,900 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Australia each year. This statistic covers the year 2019.
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Austria

The incidence rate and prevalence ratio of MS in Austria based on the capture-recapture method were 19.5/100,000 person-years (95% CI 14.3-24.7) and 158.9/100,000 (95% CI 141.2-175.9), respectively. Female to male ratio was 1.6 for incidence and 2.2 for prevalence.
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Switzerland

Of the 943,639 subjects in the year 2015, 1,606 were identified as MS patients resulting in a prevalence of 190 per 100,000 (95% CI: 180−190 per 100,000). Incidence was 16 per 100,000 (95% CI: 13−19 per 100,000).
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Portugal

The age-standardized prevalence for the Portuguese population was 61.8 per 100,000 and for the European standard population 60.0 per 100,000.
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Netherland

Average prevalence of MS in the Netherlands was 88 per 100,000 inhabitants (males 48, 127 females) and incidence nine per 100,000.

Sources

The information provided is based on reputable sources such as medical journals, official health organizations, and research studies.

In conclusion, understanding the diverse demographics and factors associated with Multiple Sclerosis is crucial for developing targeted solutions, such as the innovative medicine cool bag designed for temperature-sensitive medications.

This detailed description provides a foundation for future content development and fosters a deeper understanding of the target audience.

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